The increasingly fractious row over Carmarthenshire Council's decision to make Llangennech School Welsh-medium-only continues. Plus, other questions on climate change, scams/cold calling and the Welsh Government “leaning” on lobbyists and the Third Sector.
There was also an urgent question from Russell George AM (Con, Montgomery) regarding today's Public Accounts Committee report on Kancoat, but his leader effectively beat him to it so I've skipped it.
To cut a long story short, the Welsh Government - via then Economy Minister, Edwina Hart - provided £3.4million to the Swansea-based metal coating company between 2012 and 2014 only for the company to go bust, with ministers ignoring advice that the investment was a big risk. The net loss to taxpayers is estimated at around £1.5million.
And as it's Valentine's Day....
FMQs, 14th February 2017
Party Leaders
Plaid Cymru leader, Leanne Wood AM (Plaid, South Wales Central), asked about the policy to create 1 million Welsh-speakers by 2050. Did the First Minister accept the Welsh Government's policy involved increasing Welsh medium school places? If so, Carmarthenshire Council needs government support to calm residents in Llangennech, after Labour council candidates have created a "toxic atmosphere", working with UKIP to undermine Labour's own Welsh language policy (more details from Y Cneifiwr).
The 1 million Welsh-speaker target is a Labour manifesto commitment, and expanding Welsh medium education is important. Local councils have to demonstrate how to expand it through their strategic plans. Carwyn agreed the situation in Llangennech was “toxic”, but he didn't believe Leanne Wood has helped things by making it party political. It's right that everyone calms down, and he disagreed with some of the things said. However, it's ultimately down to Carmarthenshire Council to explain to residents what they're trying to do.
As mentioned, Tory leader Andrew Davies AM (Con, South Wales Central) focused on the Kancoat report. What possessed Edwina Hart to release £3.4million despite “lights flashing on the dashboard”? No jobs were safeguarded and the site is empty with ongoing liabilities. The First Minister was in charge at the time, so were taxpayers owed an apology?
The First Minister said the investment panel recommended the investment. The government deals with hundreds of businesses, some of which will fold. Of the projects they've supported, only 2.4% fail after a request for financial support; this didn't mean they shouldn't review due diligence processes. Carwyn didn't apologise, though he “accepted” most of what the Tory leader said.
UKIP leader, Neil Hamilton AM (UKIP, Mid & West Wales), believed it was clear the American government will change climate policy, having already called for withdrawal from UN climate change negotiations. With other major polluters like India and China refusing to set targets, did it make sense for the UK to be saddled with a costly clean energy policy that's a “millstone around industry's necks” and a burden on the poor?
The First Minister looks at the weight of evidence and it's overwhelmingly in favour of climate change happening and human activity being a cause. High levels of pollution in Beijing show even China knows it needs to be addressed. The UKIP leader's argument only stands up if they're happy to see environmental degradation and poor air quality become the norm again.
Backbenchers
Mike Hedges AM (Lab, Swansea East) asked for a statement on tackling scams in Wales, which can have a devastating impact on victims, even reducing the quality and length of their lives.
The First Minister agreed that scams have terrible effect on victims. The Welsh Government continues to fund PCSOs, are working with Police and Crime Commissioners and also fund no cold calling zones, with a desire for all councils to have them as a step towards creating a "no cold call nation". Online scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and the Welsh Government will continue its work despite having limited powers in the area.
Neil McEvoy AM (Plaid, South Wales Central) asked for a statement on the role of the Third Sector in Wales (see also: A Guide to the Welsh Third Sector and Bean Flicking Triggers Charity Collapse). Was the First Minister aware that Public Affairs Cymru said over half its members have been asked to reconsider standpoints with which the Welsh Government disagrees? “Are you leaning on them?”
The First Minister believes the Third Sector plays an important role, providing services in many spheres. Neil's supplementary questions weren't to do with his first question (on the role of the Third Sector) and it's a matter for the Standards Committee to consider and report on in their lobbying inquiry. As far as he's concerned the Welsh Government doesn't tell other bodies what they should or shouldn't say.
Rhun ap Iorwerth AM (Plaid, Ynys Môn) asked for a statement on support for the Welsh shellfish industry following the Brexit vote. Marine agriculture is an important employer in and around Anglesey and is worth £12million to the Welsh economy. Anecdotally, 98% of a single local company's harvest is exported to the EU.
As you might expect, Carwyn towed the line you've heard so often that Wales should retain “unfettered access” to the EU single market, with 90% of Welsh fish also exported. In a separate answer to Suzy Davies AM (Con, South Wales West) on Burry Inlet cockle parasites, he said investigations into the cause of excess cockle deaths are ongoing and the Welsh Government are working with the industry to develop legislative measures.
0 comments:
Post a Comment